[Sarrazin allergy: a contribution to buckwheat allergy].

Buckwheat allergy is frequent in Asian countries such as Japan because of widespread use of buckwheat in food and bed furniture. In Switzerland such reactions are very rare and mostly due to ingested buckwheat in the form of pizoccheri and buckwheat bread. We describe 6 cases of allergic reactions due to buckwheat comprising urticaria (all pat.), quincke edema (4 pat.) and asthma (5 pat.). 4 patients reacted to ingestion of buckwheat, and 2 patients with occupational exposure were allergic to inhaled buckwheat. Sensitizations were proven in all patients by positive skin tests and specific IgE (RAST). Treatment consisted of strict allergen elimination.